Cubs, city appear optimistic about Wrigley's status

Landmark label sought by Daley is still an issue

The city's Commission on Landmarks on Thursday recommended the designation of Wrigley Field as a city landmark as officials for both the Chicago Cubs and Mayor Richard Daley sounded a more conciliatory tone over the contentious matter.

The action sends the proposed designation, which had been opposed by the Cubs, to City Council for final consideration.

Cubs President Andy MacPhail, who had warned in mid-March that landmark protection status could endanger the viability of the historic ballpark, issued a statement after the commission's action saying the two sides have held many discussions and are working to resolve disagreements.

"The city's efforts to listen to our concerns and work with us, even as we were at odds over the need for this designation, are a good sign for the process that lies ahead," MacPhail said.

Alicia Berg, the city's planning and development commissioner, also spoke optimistically. She said that during negotiations, team lawyers stopped short of endorsing the slightly revised landmark designation, but "they didn't object to the language," she said.

A city spokesman said some language in the designation approved Thursday is "clearer" than in previous versions, but added that the proposal is "substantively the same" as the most recent draft opposed by team officials.

The Cubs are owned by Tribune Co., which also owns the Chicago Tribune.

Landmark protection would preclude the Cubs from making any alterations to various aspects of the ballpark without city approval. The designation recommended Thursday calls for City Council approval of an expansion of the bleachers, something the Cubs have resisted.

The two sides have been at odds primarily over the bleacher expansion and the number of additional night games permitted by the city. They also have been haggling over who should pay for additional neighborhood protection measures, such as easing traffic congestion and fan rowdiness.

"Everyone is going to have to give in a little bit, including the city," said Ald. Thomas Tunney (44th), whose ward includes the ballpark. "Hopefully we can continue to work with the Cubs in the next few months and try to forge a plan that includes the landmarking provisions, some type of neighborhood protection plan and some kind of bleacher expansion which the community will accept."